Gypsies on wheels

Caravan users should learn more about Gypsy culture to understand the nomadic lifestyle that lies behind the caravanning pastime, according to a leading Gypsy group in the UK.

The Gypsy Council believes that people who use caravans become “faux Gypsies”.

“Hundreds of thousands of people who go in caravans every weekend are adopting our way of life. If they learnt a bit about our culture, there would be more understanding and less suspicion about Gypsies,” said Joseph Jones, the council's secretary.

The Caravan Club said that it had celebrated its Gypsy connections during centenary celebrations last year. A spokeswoman said that the world's first leisure caravan, owned by a member of the club, was inspired by a chance meeting with a Gypsy encampment in Great Marlow, Buckinghamshire.

MOOSE ON THE JUICE

Sarah Palin, the “moose-shooting” Republican vice-presidential candidate, might enjoy a beer featured on www.hotelresort insider.com this week: Moose Drool. The ale is made by Big Sky Brewing Co, based in Montana.

CHIPS IN

The biggest casino in Romania has opened at the new Radisson SAS Hotel in Bucharest. After a gamble, guests can pop into the Bali Spa, which offers “fine lines correction with botulinic toxin, laser depigmentation and permanent make-up”.

HELLO, GORDIE

Gordon Brown may not be one of the acts at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, but Gordie Brown is. The American comedian, known for his impersonations of Clint Eastwood and Bob Dylan, will start performances in the new year.

GIMME SHELTER

Designer graffiti, satin sheets, a yoga room and a bar called Chic-Chic are included in the Mama Shelter, a hotel created by Phillipe Starck, which has opened in the 20th arrondissement, one of the toughest areas of Paris.

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